Hard Work Earns Naidoo Cum Laude and A Deans Merit Award At DUT

For DUT’s Marco Naidoo, graduating with such an impressive achievement has been no walk in the park. It took hard work, perseverance and time management, as well as trying to hold down a full-time job, was no easy feat.
“I have had lots of support from my family, at times things became difficult, but with their support, I persevered. Having a family member or friend, who continue to motivate you to be the best you can also greatly assisted in boosting my moral” said Naidoo.

Naidoo received the Dean’s Merit and cum laude awards in Degree of Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering. He graduated on Wednesday, 13 September 2017, at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus, Gate 5.

He devoted a lot of time to study, as he had to ensure that he was well prepared for any unforeseen circumstances and for him to achieve such an accolade. He had dedicated many hours to studying which required him to always be alert and dedicated to achieving good results.

“I remember some days, I was exhausted after work, but I still ensured that I did at least one hour of studying. We all know the greatest quote that should be familiar to all, is that procrastination is the thief of time,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo stresses that there is a need for a year study plan to be in place by every student because graduating with such accolades boils down to proper study planning. Last December 2016, he had already envisaged of what the following six months would be like and again his year plan worked wonders.

“Everything has to be properly planned out, and this is where a year planner, something I have stuck to for years had kicked in. This assisted me tremendously in identifying the time, space between tests and examinations, it also helped me in being prepared, well in advance,” he said confidently.

The toughest year for him was his first year, being introduced to something new and a new lifestyle of juggling studies and work, which for him, was not easy. He said most of the time he was tired, stressed out, and often the task on hand seemed impossible, but that’s where the perseverance kicked in.

“I quote the great, Nelson Mandela, who said, it always seems impossible until it’s done, never give up on your goals, give it your every effort, aim for the moon and even if we miss, we will still be amongst the shining stars,” he said.